QuestionI have a severe emotional reaction to any birth control I have taken in the last 4 years. The pill, the patch, anything, usually in the first 1/2 of my cycle. It got so bad that I had to stop taking birth control medications, does a low hormone birth control option exist?
AnswerDear Alicia,
Some "low-dose" birth control pills on the market are:
-LoOvral (contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and and 0.3 mg nogestrel)
-Nordette (contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levognorgestrel)
-Ortho-Cept (contains 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel)
-Cyclessa is the first triphasic oral contraceptive with an estrogen dose as low as 25 mcg; the graduated progestin (desogestrel) doses are 0.1, 0.125, and 0.15 mg in weeks 1, 2, and 3, respectively
-Yasmin is a relatively new BCP containing 30 mcg of estrogen and 3.0 mg of drospirenone, a novel progestin that is more similar to natural progesterone. Yasmin has been associated with improved acne and seborrhea (excessively oily skin) as well as an improved sense of well-being. Yasmin appears to offer better weight control by reducing water retention.
-YAZ is another BCP very similar in property to Yasmin.
-NuvaRing is another option which delivers a low-dose of hormones. It is a flexible contraceptive ring that is about two inches in diameter which you insert into your vagina just once a month. The muscles in your vaginal wall will keep NuvaRing in place for three weeks. During that time, it will slowly release a low dose of hormones that are needed to prevent pregnancy.
It sounds to me, with your emotional side effects, that Yasmin may be a good option for you to look into.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well!
Brenda
